General John J. Pershing Medal (reverse)

Anthony de Francisci, General John J. Pershing Medal (reverse), 1946, gilded white metal, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.44
Copied Anthony de Francisci, General John J. Pershing Medal (reverse), 1946, gilded white metal, 4 1⁄2 in. (11.5 cm) diam., Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate, 1966.110.44

Artwork Details

Title
General John J. Pershing Medal (reverse)
Artist
Date
1946
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
4 1⁄2 in. (11.5 cm) diam.
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Gilda Slate
Mediums
Mediums Description
gilded white metal
Classifications
Subjects
  • Allegory — element — fire
  • Object — weapon — sword
Object Number
1966.110.44
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1966.110.44

Artwork Description

Congress commissioned this medal by Anthony de Francisci to honor General John J. “Black Jack” Pershing (1860-1948). Pershing served as commander of the American Expeditionary Force during World War I. Legislators took so long to pass the bill authorizing the commemoration that Pershing passed away before the medal could be struck. The reverse of the medal shows a flaming sword of victory surrounded by the inscription: “Awarded by act of Congress August 7, 1946. In recognition of his devotion to his country.”